28th April 2025
Source: The Citizen
TABORA IPOLE POWER LINE COMPLETE, PROMISES RELIABLE ELECTRICITY FOR SIKONGE
Speaking during the commissioning of the new line on April 28th in Tabora Region, ETDCO Acting General Manager, Mr. Sadock Mugendi, said the project had been completed in full, with residents of Sikonge District now accessing a more stable electricity supply. Mr. Mugendi expressed gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Energy, through TANESCO, for entrusting ETDCO with the project’s implementation.
He further noted that final preparations were underway to complete the second section of the project from Ipole to Mlele District in Katavi Region, covering approximately 133 kilometres. He called on citizens to safeguard the newly built infrastructure, emphasizing that the government had invested heavily in this project for the benefit of the nation at large.
The project manager from TANESCO, Mr. Sospeter Oralo, revealed that the Tabora–Katavi project had cost a total of TZS 161 billion. He said the completion of the first phase would enable Sikonge District to receive up to 12 megawatts of power through the new 132kV line.
Source: The Citizen
AUSTRALIAN FIRM COMMITS USD 523 MILLION TO DEVELOP GOLD PROJECT IN TANZANIA
Australian company Perseus Mining Limited has confirmed a final investment decision (FID) to proceed with the development of the Nyanzaga Gold Project (NGP) in Tanzania, committing approximately USD 523 million (about TZS 1.4 trillion) to bring the project into production. The project had stalled for months while waiting for negotiations between the company and the government.
The Australian-listed company announced in a statement on April 28, 2026, that the investment will be funded entirely through interest-free intercompany loans, drawn from Perseus’s cash and bullion reserves of USD 801 million as of March 31th, 2025. Perseus’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jeff Quartermaine, said the company is “very excited” to move ahead with the project, marking the first major gold mine development in Tanzania in 17 years.
He noted that the addition of Nyanzaga will strengthen Perseus’s African portfolio, which currently includes the Yaouré, Sissingué, and Edikan gold mines. Perseus aims to build a diversified, Africa-focused gold business producing between 500,000 and 600,000 ounces of gold annually.
29th April 2025
Source: The Citizen
HOPE FOR AGRICULTURE AS PRESIDENT LAUNCHES COOPERATIVE BANK
The Tanzania Cooperative Bank (TCB) was officially launched on April 28th, 2025, marking a significant milestone in improving access to financing for the agricultural value chain. The bank, with an initial capital of TZS 58 billion, promises to cater to the financing needs of entrepreneurs, farmers, youth, women, and other Tanzanians.
The launch ceremony was graced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the financial needs of farmers and supporting the agricultural sector. She directed the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the Bank of Tanzania to collaborate in creating policies that enhance financing for agriculture.
President Hassan noted that this initiative will involve key stakeholders such as the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) and commercial banks, while underlining the need for effective allocation of funds to boost agricultural production and value addition. The bank is set to play a pivotal role in supporting rural economies, with a particular focus on cooperatives.
While cooperatives have grown at a modest rate of 4.1%, President Hassan called for proactive measures to enhance their contribution to the country’s GDP, focusing on governance, transparency, and stability. With 51% ownership by cooperative members, the bank aims to improve food security and the overall economy.
TCB’s services will be designed to help farmers manage risks such as crop losses. Starting with an initial capital of TZS 58 billion, the bank plans to expand its services into rural areas, encouraging greater collaboration between financial institutions and supporting agricultural growth across Tanzania.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA’S GRAND PLAN TO BOOST ELECTRICITY ACCESS AND CLEAN COOKING ENERGY
The Tanzanian government has announced a substantial budget increase for the Energy Ministry in 2025/26, with plans to expand electricity access, improve clean cooking energy solutions, and enhance electricity and natural gas transmission. The budget has been raised by 19% to TZS 2.25 trillion, up from TZS 1.88 trillion in the current fiscal year. The increase, presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Dotto Biteko, in Parliament, aims to address the growing demand for electricity, reduce reliance on traditional cooking fuels, and integrate Tanzania more fully into regional energy networks.
He revealed that TZS 2.17 trillion (96.5%) of the budget would go towards development projects, including major electricity transmission and electrification initiatives. One of the most significant projects funded in the 2025/26 fiscal year is the Hamlet Electrification Project (HEP II B), which will connect 9,009 hamlets by constructing 13,180.56 kilometres of medium-voltage and 14,016.50 kilometres of low-voltage distribution lines. The project, which will cost approximately TZS 1.39 trillion, will also install 8,003 100kVA transformers and 1,006 200kVA transformers, benefiting 290,300 customers. Dr. Biteko confirmed that the project will be financed with TZS 350 billion from domestic sources and TZS 2.26 billion from Norway.
The budget increase also reflects Tanzania’s growing electricity generation capacity. In addition to expanding electricity access, the government is focusing on promoting clean cooking energy. Dr. Biteko outlined plans to distribute 370,000 improved cooking stoves in rural and peri-urban areas, along with 40,000 electric stoves. The government will also continue its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder distribution project, which offers subsidized LPG cylinders to citizens.
Source: The Citizen
IMF LAUNCHES SUB-SAHARAN REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IN TANZANIA
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has launched its latest Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa in Dar es Salaam, highlighting both the progress and persistent challenges facing the region’s economies. According to the report, sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth rebounded to 4% in 2024 after two years of sluggish performance. This recovery has been driven by effective domestic reforms, improved fiscal management, and strengthened monetary policies, which have helped countries in the region absorb external shocks such as rising global interest rates and commodity price fluctuations.
Despite the rebound, the IMF warns of emerging headwinds that could stall momentum. The outlook forecasts a modest dip in regional growth to 3.8% in 2025, before rising slightly to 4.2% in 2026. This revision is attributed to weaker global demand, renewed U.S. tariffs, and tighter financial conditions. The report highlights growing fiscal pressures, with sub-Saharan African nations now facing higher borrowing costs on international markets. Interest payments on public debt currently consume approximately 12% of government revenues, limiting resources for critical development spending.
30th April 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA CONSIDERS TIGHTENING LAWS ON SHISHA SMOKING AND GAMBLING AS MORE YOUTHS BECOME ADDICTED
The increasing popularity of shisha smoking and gambling, particularly sports betting, is being linked to a growing number of addiction cases, most notably among young people. In response, the Government of Tanzania, through the Law Reform Commission, has begun reviewing the legal framework governing the use of tobacco products.
This was revealed on April 30th, 2025, by the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, while presenting the ministry’s 2025/2026 budget estimates in Parliament. Dr. Ndumbaro stated that following the review, the Commission will advise the government on the best regulatory approach to control the use of shisha to safeguard public health, especially among youth, where the trend is rapidly gaining momentum.
He also noted that an assessment will be conducted to determine the extent to which the enforcement of the Gaming Act protects participants in gambling activities from developing addiction. The review also aims to determine whether the current enforcement measures effectively prevent minors-children under the age of 18 from participating in gambling and falling into addictive behaviors.
01st May 2025
Source: The Guardian
TANZANIA RAISES MINIMUM WAGE TO TZS 500,000 AFTER 35.1% INCREASE
Hon. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced a 35.1% increase in the minimum wage for public servants, citing the country’s improved economic performance driven by workers’ efforts. Speaking during the national May Day celebrations in Singida on Thursday, President Hassan said the new wage adjustment will take effect from July this year, raising the minimum monthly salary from TZS 370,000 to TZS 500,000. The President further stated that the government, through the Minimum Wage Board, is reviewing pay structures in the private sector to improve conditions for workers there.
02nd May 2025
Source: The Citizen
EU-FUNDED MARINE PROJECT POISED TO BOOST BLUE ECONOMY IN TANZANIA
A transformative €11 million (TZS 33 billion) project aimed at strengthening marine conservation and building a climate-resilient blue economy across Tanzania has been launched in Zanzibar, bringing together international partners, government leaders, and environmental organizations. The initiative, Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu (Let’s Conserve Our Ocean Together), is spearheaded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by the European Union under its broader “Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation” programme.
The project will be implemented in the Mtwara, Lindi, Coast, and Dar es Salaam regions in mainland Tanzania, as well as North and South Unguja in Zanzibar. It targets over 500,000 people through a mix of conservation, entrepreneurship, and policy support initiatives.
Source: The Citizen
TANGANYIKA LAW SOCIETY TO ENGAGE PRESIDENT SAMIA OVER LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE CONCERNS
The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has revealed plans to establish a special committee on May 3rd, 2025, tasked with engaging President Samia Suluhu Hassan in high-level discussions to tackle urgent legal, human rights, and governance concerns. The committee will focus on pressing issues affecting the legal and governance landscape in Tanzania, with the goal of addressing them before the end of May.
TLS President Mr. Boniface Mwabukusi told a press conference on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, that the committee members will include retired senior government officials, former ministers, and other respected public figures. He stated that the initiative forms part of TLS’s peaceful approach to seeking long-term solutions to the country’s current challenges.
The proposed committee will first review key governance and human rights matters before formally requesting a meeting with the Head of State. If the request is declined, Mr. Mwabukusi said, TLS will return to the public to consult on alternative courses of action.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA TO BEGIN PAYING VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
The government has announced that, beginning July 1st, 2025, volunteers working in public institutions will start receiving subsistence allowances. This move follows the introduction of new national guidelines designed to recognize and support the valuable contributions made by volunteers in the public sector.
In response, Hon. Sangu confirmed that the Volunteering Guidelines in Public Service have been finalized and will officially come into effect on July 1st. These guidelines provide clear directives on the treatment of volunteers, including mechanisms to help them gain experience, enhance their employability, and now receive modest allowances to support their basic needs.
03rd May 2025
Source: The Citizen
WARIOBA STANDS UP FOR JUDICIAL AUTONOMY, WARNS AGAINST GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE
Retired Judge Joseph Warioba has joined several concerned individuals in expressing worries about signs of interference with the judiciary, warning that if the situation persists, court decisions may be viewed with suspicion. Judge Warioba voiced his disappointment on May 3rd, 2025, during a national forum on Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, organized by the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS).
He expressed concern about some individuals interfering with the judicial process, particularly regarding the treason case involving CHADEMA Chairman Mr. Tundu Lissu, which is currently before the court and awaiting judgment. He pointed out that a few days earlier, while watching parliamentary proceedings, he was surprised to see the Attorney General discussing the use of the e-Judiciary system, defending its application as one of the government’s reasons for requesting that the case be heard online.
This can easily imply that the government is exerting pressure, and in such an atmosphere of fear, even the court might hesitate. Even if it delivers a judgment, people might not believe that it was made independently. Nevertheless, he insisted that whichever procedure is chosen, justice must be served to both the government and the defense.
Source: The Citizen
UGANDAN HIGH COURT JUDGE JAILED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR FORCING WOMAN TO WORK AS A SLAVE
A Ugandan and United Nations judge has been jailed in Britain for more than six years for forcing a young woman to work without pay while the judge studied at the University of Oxford. Hon. Lydia Mugambe, a judge of Uganda’s High Court since 2013, was appointed in 2023 as a judge for the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which handles functions of previous tribunals related to war crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
Prosecutors stated that Mugambe, 50, used her status in the “most egregious way” by tricking a young Ugandan woman into coming to Britain in 2022 to work as a maid without payment. Hon. Mugambe was charged under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act for conspiring with John Leonard Mugerwa, then Uganda’s deputy high commissioner, to bring the victim to Britain by lying on her visa application.
Hon. Mugambe was also charged with facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, forcing someone to work, and conspiring to intimidate her victim to prevent her from giving evidence. The court also ordered Justice Mugambe to pay compensation of €12,600 to the victim.
Source: The Citizen
MINISTRY FOR MINERALS TARGETS TZS 1.2 TRILLION REVENUE DESPITE BUDGET CUT
The Ministry of Minerals has outlined its strategic priorities for the 2025/26 financial year, emphasizing the strengthening of revenue collection despite facing a significant budget cut. Other areas of priority include increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy, advancing value addition for critical minerals, and supporting small-scale miners.
Minerals Minister Hon. Anthony Mavunde announced these priorities on May 2nd, 2025, when tabling a TZS 224.98 billion budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, a sharp decrease from the TZS 531.2 billion allocated in 2024/25. Of the proposed budget, TZS 124 billion is earmarked for development projects, down from TZS 299 billion last year.
Despite the cuts, the Ministry has set an ambitious revenue target of TZS 1.2 trillion, with TZS 1 trillion (82.95%) expected to be generated by the Ministry’s departments, units, and the Mining Commission, while TZS 205.5 billion (17.05%) will be retained by affiliated institutions. To boost revenue, Mr. Mavunde stated that the Ministry will implement stringent measures to combat mineral smuggling and illegal trade, enhance oversight of mining operations, and improve governance in the Tanzanite and construction minerals trade.
